Sacramento Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox has become the latest NBA star to stir up trade speculation, according to a report by Shams Charania of ESPN on Tuesday, Jan. 28.
Fox, known for his clutch performances and game-changing abilities, seems like the perfect addition to elevate the Los Angeles Lakers’ title aspirations. With the potential to push them to go all-in with their trade assets, Fox fits the mold of a transformative star.
However, there’s a catch—Fox reportedly doesn’t view the Lakers as his preferred destination, as Charania revealed during an appearance on NBA Today.
“One thing I can say, with Rich Paul—who represents LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the Lakers—I’m told the Lakers are not part of Fox’s preferred destinations,” Charania said.
Sam Amick of The Athletic echoed this sentiment, adding further insight into Fox’s lack of interest in joining the Lakers.
“Paul is expected to take calls from all interested teams and keep options open for Fox’s next landing spot. Despite Paul’s strong ties with Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, sources say Los Angeles is not high on Fox’s list,” Amick reported.
Fox, currently in the fourth year of a five-year, $163 million contract with Sacramento, will be eligible for a lucrative four-year, $229 million extension next summer.
Fox Favors Lakers’ Western Conference Rival
Reports from Amick, former ESPN insider Zach Lowe, and James Ham of ESPN1320 suggest Fox has his sights set on the San Antonio Spurs—a rival within the Lakers’ Western Conference.
This twist in trade discussions highlights the Lakers’ earlier misstep in the 2017 NBA Draft, where they chose Lonzo Ball at No. 2 over Fox, who was later selected by the Kings at No. 5. Fox had already outshone Ball in their memorable Sweet 16 matchup, where he dropped 39 points to lead Kentucky past UCLA.
While Ball was eventually traded to acquire Anthony Davis, Fox has since blossomed into an All-Star, an All-NBA player, and the 2023 NBA Clutch Player of the Year.
Lakers Struggle to Attract Big Names
This isn’t the first time the Lakers have been snubbed by a high-profile player. Earlier in the offseason, Klay Thompson turned down the Lakers’ offer—even after LeBron James personally recruited him—opting instead for the Dallas Mavericks.
Similarly, Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler didn’t consider the Lakers among his preferred trade destinations during his own saga.
The Lakers’ current struggles have placed additional pressure on their front office to make significant moves. Despite sitting fifth in the Western Conference standings, both James and Davis have expressed concerns about the roster’s limitations.
James recently lamented the team’s lack of margin for error, while Davis told Charania in a sit-down interview that the Lakers are “one or two pieces away” from being a serious title contender. He specifically noted the need for a center to complement his game.
The question now is: Will the Lakers overcome their hurdles in time to capitalize on their championship window? With stars like Fox slipping out of reach, the road ahead looks increasingly challenging.
